Peter Griffin
Byron Bay rugby’s season-defining road trip to Grafton was a major disappointment. The scoreline read 30–0 but in truth the Bay simply failed to turn up.
Byron had beaten Grafton in four of their previous five meetings but their meek surrender on Saturday, in the final game of the first round, has put the current campaign on a precipice. Byron has a small squad this year and has suffered injuries to key players. Moreover, the Bay has not been able to compensate for the departure of quality players such as Dickson, Armstrong, Nuttall and Kitching.
The result pitches Byron in seventh place, 12 points behind Ballina who move to fourth after dismantling Lennox Head 30–10 on the weekend. A repeat of First Grade finals football is unlikely but more alarming for Byron is the prospect of losing its shire supremacy for the first time in six years. Rivals Bangalow accounted for Southern Cross University 55–0 to put the Rebels in fifth place, seven points to the good of Byron Bay.
Byron are at home to Ballina this Saturday at 3.15pm. Byron are in a three-match losing slump and Ballina have won four on the bounce but the contest should hold no great fear for the home side. Byron’s current season began so promisingly with a first-round away win to Ballina and the Bay did humble their neighbours twice last year.
A big crowd is expected at the Recreation Fields this Saturday to find out where the season is heading.
Go the Bay!
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